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Mescaline

A Global History of the First Psychedelic
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( 285 ratings, 28 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Mescaline by Mike Jay explores the cultural and historical journey of the psychedelic substance mescaline. The book delves into its roots in Indigenous ceremonial use and traces its influence on Western science, art, and popular culture. With an insightful narrative, it examines how mescaline has shaped human thought and creativity over time.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the intersection of history, culture, and psychedelic substances. It offers an intriguing exploration of the history and impact of mescaline from indigenous rituals to its influence on Western consciousness. Perfect for readers interested in the cultural and military history of psychedelics.

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A definitive history of mescaline that explores its mind-altering effects across cultures, from ancient America to Western modernity

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A definitive history of mescaline that explores its mind-altering effects across cultures, from ancient America to Western modernity.

Mescaline became a popular sensation in the mid-twentieth century through Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception, after which the word “psychedelic” was coined to describe it. Its story, however, extends deep into prehistory: the earliest Andean cultures depicted mescaline-containing cacti in their temples.

Mescaline was isolated in 1897 from the peyote cactus, first encountered by Europeans during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. During the twentieth century, it was used by psychologists investigating the secrets of consciousness, spiritual seekers from Aleister Crowley to the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, artists exploring the creative process, and psychiatrists looking to cure schizophrenia. Meanwhile, peyote played a vital role in preserving and shaping Native American identity.

Drawing on botany, pharmacology, ethnography, and the mind sciences, and examining the mescaline experiences of figures from William James to Walter Benjamin to Hunter S. Thompson, this is an enthralling narrative of mescaline’s many lives.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Mescaline by Mike Jay is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative, offering a detailed and fascinating history of mescaline. Critics highlight Jay's expert storytelling and his ability to place the drug's significance within broader socio-cultural contexts. The book is noted as both informative and entertaining, illustrating the influence of context on mescaline's effects and tracing its use from ancient times to modern day.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300257502

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 June 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 16 color + 12 b-w illus.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 312

About the Author

Mike Jay has written extensively on scientific and medical history. His books on the history of drugs include High Society: Mind-Altering Drugs in History and Culture and The Atmosphere of Heaven. He lives in London.

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